In 1979, President Jimmy Carter declared June Black Music Month. Its purpose is to celebrate the undeniable impact black musicians have had on the sound of American music.
Birmingham is home to many metropolitan artists who have contributed to black American music, including Ruben Studdard, Gucci Mane, Nell Carter, Sebastian Cole, Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations’ Paul Williams. increase. None of these artists are scheduled to play in Birmingham this month, but there are a dozen ways to celebrate Black Music Month.
Tink (June 15th)
R&B artist Tink will perform with Jackie’s and Sonta at the BJCC Concert Hall on June 15th. Tickets start at $55.
Steel City Jazz Festival (June 16-17)
The Steel City Jazz Festival features Anthony Hamilton, Stephanie Mills, Stockley, Zapp and more on June 16th and 17th. 1-day passes are $100 + fee per pass, 2-day passes are $200 + fee. VIP tickets are sold out.
Blues & Brews (June 18)
For Father’s Day event on June 18, Blues and Brews will host a food festival featuring two DJs, DJ Dirty Vegas and DJ Ready Red. The event will be held at the Avondale He Brewery and general admission is $10. Free beer for the first 100 dads.
Friends Concert (June 16)
A free gospel music concert will be held on June 16th at the Integrity Bible Church. The performers in this group are good friends with each other and enjoy singing gospel.
Mr. Campbell – Bad Boy in Seoul (June 18)
Soul’s bad boy, Mr. Campbell, performs at the bodega. Tickets start at $25.
Big Theo (June 23)
Birmingham rapper Big Yavo debuts new song from Cinematic Music Group on June 23rd.
Lights up on the 8th (June 25th)
Lit on 8th will host a live music and poetry event on June 25th to celebrate the Cancer people. Admission to the venue is free.
The Perfect Note (all months)
Perfect Note hosts monthly live music events with various tributes to artists and performances by local singers and band players. Performing artists are PJ Pluggins, Tony Tatum, Sherry Reeves, Sharon Collins, Deron Charlie and Ryan Keys. Tickets vary, but start at $25.
Uncore Theater & Gallery (Weekly)
Encore Theater & Gallery celebrates Black Music Month with weekly performances focused on R&B Week, Neo-Soul Week, Soul & Rock Week, and Gospel Week. Performing artists include: Deidre Gaddis, Elle Jai, Erika Patrice Kellom, Logan TheEntertainer, Abundant Life Music Ministries, Men of Praise. Tickets are $19 per week.
More concerts are coming soon to the city featuring black artists including Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Fantasia, Joe, Jinuwine and Tyrese.
